“There’s absolutely nothing that…”: Sebastian Stan Goes Against Half the MCU Fandom With His Honest Take on Robert Downey Jr.’s Return as Doctor Doom

Romanian-American actor Sebastian Stan is widely known for his work as Bucky Barnes, a.k.a., The Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The actor first appeared as Bucky Barnes alongside Chris Evans in 2011 Captain America: The First Avenger and will now be appearing in MCU’s upcoming Thunderbolts.

Stan also appeared alongside Anthony Mackie in Marvel Studios’ television series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, for which he was highly appreciated. The Romanian actor has been part of projects including Pam & Tommy, Fresh, Destroyer, The 355, I, Tonya, and more. Sebastian Stan recently shared his honest view about his fellow Marvel actor’s return.

Sebastian Stan talks about Robert Downey Jr.’s return as Doctor Doom

At the San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Marvel Studios surprised the audience and the fans by revealing that Robert Downey Jr., who had played Tony Stark, a.k.a., Iron Man, in the franchise, is going to return, but this time as Doctor Victor Von Doom. Downey Jr. will star in the next two Avengers movies: Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

It was also revealed that the Russo Brothers also returned to direct Doomsday and Secret Wars. Downey Jr.’s return comes as a surprise for the fans because his death in Avengers: Endgame devastated the fans, but at the same time it left the MCU in shambles. Since Endgame, it has been a challenge for the studios to find a character as impactful as Iron Man (or Downey Jr.).

Joe Russo shared with the audience at the Hall H panel (via THR),

If we’re going to bring Victor Von Doom to the screen—he is one of the more complex characters in all of comics—this is potentially one of the more entertaining characters in all of fiction. If we’re going to do this, then we’re going to need the greatest actor in the world.

Enter Robert Downey Jr. During an interview with Variety, Sebastian Stan, along with David Harbour and Wyatt Russell, who all star in Thunderbolts, were asked about their reaction to Downey’s return. He said,

We just found out on the spot. It was just surreal. There’s absolutely nothing that Robert Downey Jr. cannot do. I mean, he’s just like, For me, it feels like something’s right in the world again with seeing him up there, so I think it’s exciting.

David Harbor chimed in to say that he’s this anchor figure in the universe as a personality and as a showman. He added that Iron Man was so heroic, and now to anchor him in a villainous world makes their heroes different, noting that it’s going to be an exciting place for Thunderbolts as well.

Fans’ divided response to Robert Downey Jr.’s return to MCU

Where a section of fans found themselves screaming and cheering as Robert Downey Jr. was unveiled as Doctor Doom, a section of fans had mixed reactions to his return. They took to their social media to share their views on Downey’s return as one of the most complex characters in the MCU.

One wrote, ‘Not a big fan of bringing him back, Doctor Doom. Why not just an evil Iron Man or some other iconic villain? Whereas a different user wrote, ‘Tried his fate outside; it didn’t work, and now he is back. Utterly disappointed. A great actor who should have explored his potential outside his safe bubble’.

I promise there’s more actors out there

— rip big23 (@fuccjesus) July 28, 2024

What kinda alternate universe is this !? 😭

— ✨Abbie ✨ (@Abbieb_king) July 28, 2024

From the main hero to main villain is crazy 😭

— Ame (@JesusCuapi91540) July 28, 2024

Tried his fate outside, didn't work, and now he is back. Utterly disappointed.

Great actor who should have explored his potential outside his safe bubble.

— Rawb (@RawBat24) July 28, 2024

Not a big fan of bringing him back Doctor Doom. Why not just an evil Iron man or some other iconic villain?

— VoxVal_Forever🇮🇹 (@Lorenzo74209291) July 29, 2024

Another fan mentioned, ‘They really need Robert Downey Jr. to save current Marvel movies. They’re so desperate. I don’t think this will work, though.’ Someone mentioned that there are other actors out there.

This man knows what he’s doing at all times and I need 2026 here now.

— Regal (@RegalMovies) July 28, 2024

The idea of Robert Downey Jr playing a villain like Doctor Doom is certainly intriguing.

— Kkusacra (@KKUSACRA) July 28, 2024

The GOAT is back

— Halleys comet☄️ (@hte189) July 28, 2024

But Downey Jr.’s ardent fans were thrilled to see him on stage and once again back in the MCU, as they mentioned that him playing a villainous character after Iron Man is very intriguing. A lot of fans wrote that he’s going to rock this new character, and they are so glad that he decided to return.

The plot has been kept under wraps for now, but the actor seems excited about his return to his Marvel family.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for a 2026 release.